Clinical use of bone allografts in the elbow

Transplantation of total or partial elbow allografts has been performed in 12 patients with excessive bone loss secondary to trauma or tumor resection. Nine of 12 implants remain with a 2- to 9-year follow-up. Functional, painless elbow motion is present in these nine patients, but degenerative joint changes become apparent at 2 years on radiographs. Although not recommended for routine use, this procedure is viewed as a salvage procedure in patients who refuse arthrodesis or are not candidates for conventional total elbow replacement because of excessive bone loss or young age.